As you all are likely aware a deadly strain of bird flu (HPAI or H5N2) is decimating domestic turkey farms across Minnesota. Impacted areas include Cottonwood, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lyon, Meeker, Nobles, Pope, Stearns and Watonwan counties. So far 21 farms have been infected and over 1.5 million domestic turkeys killed to prevent further spread. There have also been cases in a chicken facility in Jefferson County Wisconsin, as well as in North Dakota and northwest Iowa. With the advent of the 2015 wild turkey hunting season the NWTF has received several inquiries about the threat to wild turkeys and to hunters. The following information should be helpful.

MDH Recommended Precautions for Hunters:

In the field

Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.

Dress your game birds in the field whenever possible.

Use dedicated tools for cleaning game, whether in the field or at home. Do not use those tools around your poultry or pet birds.

Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning game.

Double bag the offal and feathers. Tie the inner bag, and be sure to take off your rubber gloves and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Place the bag in a trash can that poultry and pet birds cannot access. This trash can should also be secure against access by children, pets or other animals.

Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling game. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol wipes.

Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water. Then, disinfect them. Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.

At home

If you clean a bird at home, keep a separate pair of shoes to wear only in your game cleaning area. If this is not possible, wear rubber footwear and clean/disinfect your shoes before entering or leaving the area.

Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water. Then, disinfect them.

Avoid cross-contamination. Keep uncooked game in a separate container, away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

Cook game meat thoroughly. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to kill disease organisms and parasites.